Buying Advice New member and shopping.

[FND60]

Hi,
I am currently in the market for a new Kubota. It seems I should be considering a BX25 or B2620. I have 1 acre of lawn, 1 acre of oaks and 1 acre of pine/oaks that my son converted to an atv track a few years ago. Also have a 150' driveway.
My current garden tractor -23 hp craftsman has handled the grass duty and snowplowing handly here in RI over the last 10 yrs, however I would like to limit it now to just lawn duties.
So, requirements would be snowplowing 150 driveway, cleaning grading 1 acre wooded area of trees, brush and rocks, re-leveling ATV track on another acre, digging out and moving some 200-300 lb rocks scattered around property, digging out stumps, etc.
There are a couple of used machines available privately- 2000 B7300 FEL BH < 500 hrs/ w/cab for 13,500, and another 2000 B7300 FEL BH , 500 hrs, for 12,900.
All advice , comments would be appreciated.

Frank

 

[TripleR]

We have a BX2660 with FEL, box blade and MMM and while we really like it, I would go with a B Series for what you describe due to the limited ground clearance and tie rod exposure as well as HST fan on all BX Series.

There are several happy BX25 owners here JOHNTHOMAS and CompactTractorFan to name a couple, it just wouldn't be my choice. bpfick has a really good thread on the BX v B as he has owned both; well worth the time to read it.

Good luck

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

2 links to keep you busy for awhile.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../185147-bx1860-vx-b2320-contrast-compare.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/148830-b3200-bx2660-side-side-not.html
I currently have a B2320 for 3ph implements and a BX25 for all FEL and BH work. If ground clearance isn't a problem or the need there of then the BX is a great SCUT. If your talking big Oak stumps it will takes days per stump with a BX. Small Pine stumps shouldn't be much of a problem. I'd not buy a small BH for big stumps, myself. I'd hire someone with a Dozer or track loader to push them up if there are very many.
The BX25 has a factory plate giving more protection to the fan than previous models and there are even other companies selling protection plates for the BXs. If doing lots of woods work with growth stubble is the expected ongoing use for the tractor then get a B or above.
I've had BXs for 8 or nine years and have never had any fan issues but I also had a MMM on most of them. Not sure I'd let the fan become the major not buying factor but would/will always keep it in mind as a factor to ponder.

 

[boggen]

type of drive way? i assume rock drive way.

tires....
sounds like this will not be a lawn mower so no need to compromise for turf tires. and in that R1 or R4 tires would be choice. and possibly chains for tires.

filling rear tires with a solution for added weight, would more likely be more favorable to you than other folks.

sounds like a long list of things. a BH "backhoe" would be a good option, more so if it had a thumb on it. mechanical or hyd thumb either or.

sounds like enough work, that you might want to double check the "bucket" on the FEL (front end loader) to make sure it is a heavier duty type. vs a mulch bucket.

also double check if it has tooth bar, or removable front cutting edge on the front bucket. (bonuses)

extra hyd rear remotes. always a plus.

larger alternator if need be, to run rear and front work lights. (would be a large plus)

hooks on front bucket for chains, a good plus.
a tool box or places to put tools, for various jobs a large plus.

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everything else as far as attachments, implements, tools, etc.... you could pick up some place else. but looking directly at tractor. above things come to mind that could be more expensive to upgrade or need later down the road.

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make sure you start the tractors up, and let them warm up, then drive them around, check hydraulics, and shifting. check for oil leaks, etc...